City of Tumwater Challenges its Residents and Businesses to Become the Greenest Town in the Puget Sound

"Take Charge Green Power Challenge" Could Earn City up to $40,000 for Community Solar Project From Puget Sound Energy

(April 19, 2013) – Puget Sound Energy and the city of Tumwater are teaming up to challenge local residents and businesses to become the greenest town in the Puget Sound through the “Take Charge Green Power Challenge.” If 100 PSE electric customers in Tumwater enroll in PSE’s Green Power Program in 2013, the energy company will provide the city with a $20,000 grant to fund a community solar photovoltaic project.

The Take Charge Green Power Challenge is a combined effort between PSE, the cities of Tumwater, Snoqualmie, Kirkland, Anacortes and Bainbridge Island, as well as local businesses and residents. The aim is to increase the development of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in the region.

“The city of Tumwater is excited to participate in the multi-city Take Charge Green Power Challenge,” said Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet. “We would like to congratulate our neighboring cities, Olympia and Lacey, for their successful challenge in 2011. I’m optimistic that the residents and businesses of Tumwater will also rise to the occasion by purchasing green power to help our community reduce greenhouse gas emissions and win a solar grant, too.”

Currently, more than 450 PSE customers in Tumwater participate in the Green Power Program. When the challenge goal of reaching 550 participating customers is achieved, PSE will provide $20,000 toward a community solar project in Tumwater. Each participating city that meets its individual challenge goal will be awarded a $20,000 grant to go toward a community solar project in their city. Each city will determine where its project will be located and how it will be implemented.

Currently, more than 450 PSE customers in Tumwater participate in the Green Power Program. When the challenge goal of reaching 550 participating customers is achieved, PSE will provide $20,000 toward a community solar project in Tumwater. Each participating city that meets its individual challenge goal will be awarded a $20,000 grant to go toward a community solar project in their city. Each city will determine where its project will be located and how it will be implemented.

In addition to helping their city earn a solar project, customers who enroll in PSE’s Green Power Program from February 21 through September 30 will be automatically entered to win a solar panel system valued at $10,000 for their own home. Existing Green Power customers can enter for a chance to win by upgrading to 100 percent participation. Customers who already participate at 100 percent will be automatically entered to win.

PSE’s voluntary Green Power Program gives PSE electric customers a way to guarantee that some or all of the energy they use is matched in the electric grid with clean electricity from wind, solar, biogas and other renewable energy sources from the West. None of the renewable energy in PSE’s Green Power Program is generated by PSE; it all comes from independent producers of renewable power.

With two participation options, PSE residential customers can purchase 100 percent green power for approximately $10 to $12 a month based on their actual usage or buy a specific amount, with a minimum purchase of $4 per month for 320 kilowatt hours (kWh). Additional green power can be bought in increments of $2 for 160 kWh. Business customers can also participate at rates specific to their situation.

For more information about the Take Charge Green Power Challenge, or to sign up for PSE’s Green Power Program visit PSE.com/GPChallenge or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

About Puget Sound Energy

Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves 1.1 million electric customers and more than 760,000 natural gas customers in 10 counties. PSE meets the energy needs of its customers, in part, through cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service that is safe, dependable and efficient. For more information, visit www.PSE.com, or follow PSE on Facebook and Twitter.